Empty Stocking Fund has raised about $2.8M since 1972

Throughout the Texas Panhandle, the advent of Christmas is ushering in joyous celebrations.

But for some local families, the holidays are a bleak time spent trying just to make ends meet.

The Amarillo Globe-News’ Empty Stocking Fund, now in its 40th year, aims to provide assistance to those individuals in an effort to bring them a merrier season.

“We are ready to launch another Empty Stocking Fund campaign to help our community again this year,” Amarillo Globe-News Publisher Les Simpson said. “Every dollar donated goes to help someone in need.”

Since 1972, donors from the public have given about $2.8 million to the fund. In 2011, donors gave an record-high $123,000, which was used to aid about 2,125 people in the region.

“The outpouring of support through the Empty Stocking Fund seems to get larger every year,” Simpson said. “We hope to raise as much money as possible to help others this year.”

Most Empty Stocking recipients apply for aid through social service agencies and nursing homes. The Empty Stocking Fund Screening Committee, made up of volunteer social workers, evaluates the applications.

“Those who are chosen are people who are really in need,” said Joann Cruz Perez, a member of the committee. “These families, in most cases, need the basics.”

Applicants who qualify receive a voucher they can redeem at area Walmart or United Supermarket stores.

Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund can be made in memory of individuals or in honor of individuals, and the Amarillo Globe-News will mail letters of acknowledgement on request. Beginning at the end of this month, donations will be listed in the newspaper. The Empty Stocking Fund is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible.

Beginning Monday, the Globe-News will feature profiles on some of the agencies with which the Empty Stocking Fund works. On Nov. 25, the Amarillo Globe-News will begin publishing stories on each Empty Stocking recipient, concluding with a wrap-up story on Christmas day. The Amarillo Globe-News will continue to list donations until after New Year’s Day.

Please make checks payable to the Empty Stocking Fund. Checks can be mailed to:

Empty Stocking Fund

P.O. Box 2091

Amarillo, TX 79166

“I am always overwhelmed with the response,” Cruz Perez said. “People in this area always manage to dig into their pockets and help somebody else.”

Due to staffing limitations and space, the Empty Stocking Fund will not be accepting in-kind donations this year.

The Empty Stocking Fund for the second year is partnering with the Center City Electric Light Parade to present its yearly Christmas Concert.

This year, the concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, following the Electric Light Parade and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The Amarillo Wind Ensemble will perform.

Free tickets are available at the Amarillo Globe-News offices at 900 S. Harrison St. Offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Donations for the Empty Stocking Fund will be accepted at the concert. For more information, call 806-345-3363.